How does the LG G4 shoot? Considering the camera mode in the new flagship

 

 

Equipment

 

LG G4 has joined the ranks of advanced smartphones that use a relatively large 1/2.6” main camera matrix. Matrixes of approximately the same size are installed in entry-level and mid-level compact cameras, as well as in GoPro and Sony action cameras. LG G3 used a 1/3” matrix . The number of megapixels has increased from 13 in the G3 to 16 in the LG G4.

 

A larger matrix, all other things being equal, provides higher image quality.

 

The lens aperture has increased almost by a step, from F:2.4 to F:1.8 (the lower the value, the higher the aperture), which allows the camera to shoot more confidently in low-light conditions. The focal length of the lens (determining the camera’s “viewing angle”) is fairly standard for smartphones and is approximately 28mm in 35mm equivalent.

 

Among the unique camera-related features of the LG G4 is the use of laser autofocus (pictured to the left of the camera) and a special spectral sensor (pictured directly below the backlight LED). Laser focusing, which sends infrared beams to determine the distance to the subject, helps the main focusing system, and a spectral sensor allows you to more accurately determine white balance in difficult conditions.

 

Personally, in this case, I am quite skeptical about these systems. In terms of autofocus performance and focusing speed, the LG G4 cannot be distinguished from other flagship smartphones. The G4 adjusts the white balance very well, but, again, I wouldn’t say that this makes it stand out among its competitors.

 

The advantages of the main camera module include the presence of an optical image stabilization system OIS 2.0. As before, the system cannot be switched off. The manufacturer claims the increased efficiency of this system compared to what was previously used.

 

The front selfie camera is traditionally simpler. But its capabilities for selfie photos and video calls are more than enough.

 

Camera mode, manual mode, RAW

 

 

The camera can be launched not only using a shortcut, but also by pressing the bottom button on the back of the smartphone a couple of times. In this case, the camera mode turns on, by the way, very quickly, and one photo is automatically taken. I would prefer not to take a picture, but the idea here is to get the frame as quickly as possible while the smartphone is in sleep mode.

 

If, for example, the difference in the camera mode interface is Samsung Galaxy S6 in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S5 it turned out to be significant, in the case of the pair LG G4 and LG G3 the brand continuity is clearly visible.

 

 

The developers have done a very good job of making controlling the photo and video modes of the LG G4 as simple as possible. Perhaps even too simple. There are no scene programs, and you can’t pre-select the image resolution, but if you know your way around shooting settings, the LG G4 offers an excellent manual mode.

 

 

And this is not the banal manual mode of smartphones, where the user can select ISO sensitivity, adjust white balance and enter exposure compensation. The camera allows you to manually set the shutter speed (the aperture value on smartphones cannot be changed). Moreover, you can set shutter speeds for several seconds (you can’t do without a tripod) and get interesting effects, such as traces of car headlights, or paint with light (Freezelight). The photo below was taken with a shutter speed of 1 s.

 

Finally, there is a smartphone that can display shutter speed and ISO values on the screen while shooting. This banal feature is available in almost any compact camera, but for some reason it is something unique in smartphones. But this data can be a great help when shooting.

 

If there is a need for manual focusing, the LG G4 can provide this.

 

But that’s not all. LG G4 can save pictures in RAW format. I think there is no need to point out once again what advantages this format provides.

 

 

In terms of the quality of implementation and functionality of the manual mode, the LG G4 is simply the best smartphone I have ever used. I would say the LG G4 is a great option for mobile photography enthusiasts. The powerful manual mode makes the LG G4 stand out compared to, for example, the Samsung Galaxy S6.

 

For lovers of self-portraits (selfies), there is an interesting shutter release function. Show the camera your open palm, then clench it into a fist, and the camera will automatically start a three-second shutter timer. During these seconds, you will be able to select the desired position and will not be distracted by pressing the button.

 

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Video

 

The presence of a 4K video shooting mode was not something unexpected in a device of this class. But the LG G4, surprisingly, cannot record in 1080p60 (50) format. Considering that YouTube has been able to play such videos for a long time, the opportunity would not be out of place.

 

In Slow motion mode, the camera records HD video at 120 fps. In this case, you cannot select any individual sections of the video that need to be slowed down. It’s a pity – in smartphones Sony Xperia Z3, Sony Xperia Z3 Compact and Samsung Galaxy S6 I really liked this mode.

 

In general, the video quality of the LG G4 is at a high level. There are no complaints about autofocus speed when shooting video.

 

What’s missing?

 

With convenient controls and the most powerful manual shooting mode for a smartphone, the LG G4 may not come across many interesting functions found in competitors’ devices.

 

The panorama here is only ordinary, not spherical, there is no possibility of loading extensions to increase the functionality of the camera, there are no effects associated with serial shooting (selecting the best frame from a series, cutting out or “replicating” moving objects, etc.).

 

In the LG G3, focus bracketing was available (the “Magic Focus” effect), but there is no such option here.

 

Conclusions

 

In terms of photo and video capabilities, the LG G4 is prepared just perfectly. Unfortunately, it was not possible to directly compare it with competing smartphones, but according to subjective assessment, it shoots very well. Compared to its predecessor, there are improvements in both the matrix and the lens.

 

With today’s competition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stand out and win the attention of consumers. This also applies to the camera mode in smartphones. But personally, the LG G4 simply captivated me with its advanced and convenient manual mode.

 

Some examples of photos and videos

 

Today you won’t surprise anyone with automatic HDR mode. This function works quite well in the LG G4. The HDR shot shows how the camera brightened the shadows and dimmed the highlights, preserving detail. At the same time, there is no “cartoonish” effect, which often accompanies HDR images.

 

 

The macro capabilities are good, but I wouldn’t highlight anything special. Like some other smartphones from different brands, there is one unpleasant feature. If you bring the camera too close to the subject when the focusing system can no longer cope, the camera will report that focusing was successful, although this is not the case. You must carefully monitor the image on the screen, otherwise you may get a blurry photo.

 

Due to the high aperture of the lens and the relatively large matrix, the camera is able to provide good blurring of the object during large-scale shooting. In this case, this happens due to the relatively shallow “depth of field”, and not some kind of software effects that are used in smartphones.

 

 

Detail comparison between Full HD video and 4K video

 

 

 

Night video shooting.

 

 

See also:

• A few words about the Samsung Galaxy S6 camera
• Comparison of HTC One (M8) and Samsung Galaxy S5
• Camera test. LG G3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5